From fizzle to sizzle: A CEO’s comeback from alone in a ‘dark place’

Editor’s note: Billy Warden is a writer, marketing exec and multimedia producer based in the Research Triangle, where he co-founded the p.r. agency GBW Strategies. He writes a column exclusively for WRAL TechWire. Each is published on Mondays.

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RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK – We mostly associate CEOs with cold hard stats (customer numbers, growth rates, square footage of yacht), but Johnny Hackett Jr is unabashed about sharing his inner life, too. His openness is part of what makes him so compelling. This was on vivid display a couple years ago when we shared a TEDx stage.

His other compelling feature is his vision. Johnny is the founder and CEO of The Black Dollar Corp., a bustling hub for Black-owned businesses. It includes #BlackDollarNC, a business directory covering the state; the retail arm Black Friday Market and The Factory, a co-manufacturing facility.

Photo courtesy of Billy Warden

Here, Johnny shares his pop culture passions … and much more. (As always, answers are edited for length and clarity.) …

Most inspirational book:

Joel Goldsmith’s ‘Invisible Supply’ is the greatest book I’ve ever read that gave me so much inspiration. I was in a dark place in 2011, and reading that book taught me a lot spiritually – I continue to draw on that book to this day.

In 2011, I quit my job and I walked away from a long, great relationship with my fiancé at the time all in pursuit of my first entrepreneurial journey (The L.I.F.E. Foundation). There was some success early on. But like most first ventures, it fizzled out. When it crashed, I was alone – without the woman I had spent several years with and without income because I had left my job. I probably understated earlier when I said it was a dark time…lol…

Anyway, in a state of depression, my mom gave me this book. It was her book. She said she had used it during times in need. So, with that being my mom, I didn’t hesitate. I think I read that book in its entirety in two days. And then I read it again to highlight the key parts I needed to keep with me.

I felt lost and without purpose. And I felt alone. And I felt like a failure. But through the book, I started to realize that I wasn’t these things, and that I had unbelievable power within myself that I hadn’t realized. The book contained stories about failures and how they led to other successes. Overall, it taught me how to control my own mindset, regardless of the situation. Very powerful read at that time for me.

Favorite movie w/ lessons on entrepreneurship:

The Godfather (easy) – so many lessons in that movie. ‘Never let anyone outside the family know what you’re thinking.’ ‘A real man takes care of his family.’ ‘Stay away from drugs.’ ‘Political contacts are key.’ ‘Keep a good lawyer.’ I could literally type out a book on this one…lol…

“‘The Social Network’ is a movie I watch all the time just to gain inspiration. I didn’t learn as much as I did with ‘The Godfather,’ but ‘The Social Network’ is my favorite inspirational movie.”

Movie character of note:

Abel Morales from ‘A Most Violent Year’ (played by Oscar Isaac). Probably one of my favorite characters because of how he moved in the business world, and his refusal to break the law or do anything immoral when everyone around him was.

Music to get psyched:

Anything with Jay-Z after 2007

Music to relax / recharge:

Anything with Jay-Z before 2007

Before 2007, Jay-Z was unsure of the direction he was taking – thus, the music was more aspirational. That’s why I use that music to recharge. After 2007, he was a bonafide mogul. I use his newer music to get psyched, realizing what I can become.

Jay-Z Lyrics that are key with me:

‘y’all on the gram holdin’ money to yo’ ear, there’s a disconnect – we don’t call that money over here…’ Reason: to act like a grownup.

Favorite pop culture entrepreneur:

Young Dolph. He refused to sign with major music labels, after being offered millions, because he knew what he could do on his own.

Young Dolph Lyrics that are key with me:

“I can’t take the deal if it ain’t least 10 mil…” Reason: know our value.

Love of hip-hop:

My older sister introduced me to hip-hop, and it’s remained with me to this day because of the way it relates to my life. I think that’s true for many people, regardless of background. Hip-hop gives a true human experience, and I think all music does that – which is why music is so important in our lives. We resonate with the songs we hear. They make us feel certain ways about moments in our lives. I love music.